Skip links
ISO Code for GMP Certification

Iso Code For Gmp Certification In Cosmetic Manufacturing

The ISO code for GMP certification is an important consideration for any cosmetic manufacturer wanting to respect product safety, quality and meet regulations. With regards to the cosmetics industry, where consumer trust is paramount and hygiene is the utmost priority, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is not recommended; it is required. The official ISO Standards outlining these GMP Guidelines are ISO 22716. 

In this blog, I hope to explain what ISO 22716 will entail, why it is important to cosmetic manufacturing, and how this GMP certification may help improve your brand credibility and international outreach.

The ISO Code You Need: ISO 22716:2007

Good Manufacturing Practices certification for cosmetics is tied to an official ISO code, ISO 22716:2007. ISO here refers to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 22716 sets forth how to manufacture cosmetics so they can be appropriately consumed and used in a safe manner. ISO 22716 is recognized internationally and provides a method whereby compliance can be demonstrated to good practices while manufacturing creams, shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, and other beauty products.

What Is The ISO Code For GMP Certification?

ISO 22716:2007 is a guideline for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for cosmetic products. It helps a producer set up and run with which to produce cosmetic products to be safe, clean and consistent.n The guidance includes all aspects of the product to make a cosmetic product, from how to store raw materials, and how the personnel clean the equipment, to how the products are packaged and delivered.

What Does ISO 22716 Include?

ISO Code for GMP certification focuses on some key areas, which are below:

  • Personnel & Training: All personnel working within the facility must be trained and must demonstrate and/or comprehend hygiene requirements, i.e., clean and washed hands, change of clothes.
  • Clean Facility & Equipment: The facility must be clean, organized, and maintained. The equipment used in processing must be routinely maintained. The equipment must be washed..
  • Storage & Use: Every input (liquid, powder, chemical, etc) must be stored appropriately. Manufacturers must also inspect materials, ensuring that they are appropriate and not expired.
  • Completing Every Step of Production: Every step of production must be documented in a short format to be followed. All methods must be written to prevent mistakes being made due to poor memory.
  • Quality Assurance: Quality assurance will necessitate a program that will verify the product and check safety before product release. 
  • Proper Packaging and Storage: The organization will package and store finished goods so that there is no potential for spoilage and/or damage. 
  • Complaint, Lapse, and Recall: Where a complaint or lapse exists, there are policies and procedures for investigation and, if necessary, the functions for recall and for rectifying the situation in the most timely manner possible. 
  • Written Records: There will require to be written records for each area.

Why Is The ISO Code For GMP Certification Important for Cosmetic Companies?

There are several advantages for your cosmetic company for certification for ISO 22716: 

  • Legal Obligations: In many jurisdictions, GMP must be adhered to. This standard will assist you with the legal obligations. 
  • Consumer Confidence: Consumers want to know that your product is safe. Certification reinforces the credibility of your products in your cosmetic business. 
  • Sell into new markets: If you are looking to sell into any markets in the European Union, Canada, or Asia, certification is often a requirement. 
  • Cost Savings: When you follow the appropriate processes, you and your business are protected from contamination and expensive customer complaints. 
  • Enhanced Brand Image: ISO 22716 allows your brand professionals. Some marketplaces may require an organization to be certified, or they will not allow your retail store or an online store, such as Amazon, etc.

Is ISO 22716 Certification Mandatory?

The ISO code for GMP certification is not always required by law. Still, there are many countries that require compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices or GMP, and ISO 22716 is probably the easiest way you can demonstrate compliance. For example, a manufacturer of cosmetics in the EU must comply with GMP. ISO 22716 is the standard they recognize. The FDA in the United States encourages GMP compliance, but they do not require an ISO certification, although the ISO certification is a way for the supplier to demonstrate they are employing good practices. In many other countries, ISO 22716 provides the supplier with an easier way to register and subsequently sell their products legally.

How To Get An ISO Code For GMP Certification?

To get ISO 22716 certified easily, go through this simple process:

Step 1: Understand The Standard

Once you have downloaded ISO 22716, you will want to read the guidelines to understand what you will need to change.

Step 2: Analyse Your Current Process

Self-audit. Review the areas of production, training of employees, cleanliness, and documentation. What are you lacking, or can you improve upon?

Step 3: Make Changes

Revisit your factory, write your procedures, train your employees based on new standards, and reorganize any documents you need to.

Step 4: Do A Trial Run

Before applying for certification, it would be wise to put your product assessment to the test. You can use a mock audit to find any findings before your certification visit, or you can ask for help from a consultant.

Step 5: Select A Certification Body

Select a registered company (known as a “certification body”) that can validate your procedure/s and then give you the certification.

Step 6: Pass Audit 

The certification body will review your factory, validate your documents, and review your process. If the audit goes well, you will be given the ISO 22716 document.

Step 7: Stay Compliant

You will still have to comply with ISO 22716 after you have received your certification. You will be audited in one or two years, and you will get another letter for your compliance actions.

How Much Does ISO 22716 Certification Cost?

Costs are dependent on your size and location. Approximately:

  • Small: $3,000 – $6,000
  • Medium: $6,000 – $10,000
  • Large: $10,000 +

We account for direct audit fees, consulting (if necessary), and document preparation, and they are a good investment. In the first case, you are investing their time to save you money by not making potentially damning mistakes and enabling you to open doors into different markets.

FAQs

What Is The ISO Code For GMP In Cosmetics?

ISO 22716:2007 is the international GMP guideline for cosmetic manufacturing.

Is ISO 22716 Certification Mandatory?

It’s mandatory in the EU and many countries. In others, it’s strongly recommended to meet regulatory and market requirements.

What Does ISO 22716 Cover?

It includes production, hygiene, storage, packaging, training of personnel, documentation, and quality control for cosmetics.

Why Is ISO 22716 Relevant For Cosmetics?

It ensures product safety, complies with regulations, encourages consumer trust, and facilitates access to global markets.

Leave a comment